Follow Sean Inman to the best in craft beer
Christmas in a can from Lexington, Kentucky and West Sixth Brewing. “The West Sixth Christmas Ale is spiced ale with aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg with a sturdy malt backbone that will hold up to the chilliest of nights.
It’s a higher gravity beer weighing in at 9% ABV. This is our slightly darker take on a holiday beer – perfect for evenings by the fire.”
Deschutes Brewery has been adorning their Jubeale labels with new artwork each year. They also seem to be releasing it sooner and sooner. Hence it is first in line because it might be off shelves for a January seasonal soon. I’m kidding, I think.
Here is the brewery description, “Warm spiciness and tradition grace this bold winter ale. Intriguing, layered flavors unfold to reveal chicory, dried fruit and toffee notes with a hoppy kick to finish. The deep garnet color pairs perfectly with holiday celebrations.“
The last video review of 2013 is from Angel City Brewing right here in Los Angeles….
I highly recommend a visit to their brewery. It is a super cool place to have a beer in L.A.
No-Li Brewhouse Winter Warmer / Washington
“Coming in at 35 IBUs, and 7.5% ABV, Winter Warmer is a deep ruby-red beer with a thick creamy-white head. The aroma is sweet and malty with contrasting citrus hop profiles from Columbus, Cascade and Chinook hops. The Munich and Crystal malts impart a sweet candy-like flavor, with fruity esters and a spicy hop contrast. The flavors run deep and long, showing distinctive nutty-malt flavors at the end. The beer is very smooth and soft on the pallet.”
Mother Earth Brewing Silent Night / North Carolina
“Embellished with a hint of coffee and a touch of molasses, you’ll enjoy a bold, yet delightfully smooth brew. I pronounce this Barrel Aged Imperial Stout a sipper.”
Summit Brewing Co. Winter Ale / Minnesota
“One taste and it’s easy to see why the Brits call this style Winter Warmer. Nutty, roasted malt flavor with hints of coffee, caramel, cocoa and a dash of hop spice. It’ll warm your cockles. Whatever those are.”
Two Roads Brewing Holiday Ale / Connecticut
“Two Roads Holiday Ale is inspired by the little known Biere de Noel style, on subset of Biere de Garde, both of which originated on small farmhouse breweries in the north of France. Biere de Noel, which translates as “Christmas Beer”, tends to exhibit a more malty profile than a typical Biere de Garde.”
Ninkasi was kind enough to make my holiday a little more joyous by sending me their holiday seasonal, Sleigh’r. Very true to their rock n roll roots. Hence another seasonal Maiden the Shade. This dark brown Alt, a style you don’t normally get is very smooth. The 7.2 is well hidden. I catch a little bit of weisse action plus some mild chocolate notes. A slight hop note gives this a more American tinge than German in a good way. Great name and a great label and a holiday beer that I look forward to trying every year.
Breakside Brewery Big Country / Oregon
“Our take on a winter ale is something uncommon in the Northwest: a rich and balanced strong ale inspired by the starkbiers and weinnachtsbiers sold in winter in the open air markets of Germany. Malt driven notes of orange, cocoa, candied fruit, and toast dominate the aroma and flavor of this beer. the body is luscious and full and gives way to a refreshing, spicy finish.”
with thanks to Samurai Artist!